Surviving the Holiday Madness
The holiday season is often painted to be a time of joy, celebration and fun. But often in the midst of decorating, holiday parties, out of town relatives and the endless shopping lists, life can get overwhelming. As you gear up for another season of festivities, here are some tips to help you make it to 2019 in one piece.
Take a Breather
Make sure to take a few moments to yourself, especially if your pregnant or have small children. With so much running around, this is often one of the first things we forget, but carving out a little time for yourself each day will help you feel refreshed and calm so you can tackle everything on your agenda. Just a quick 15 to 30 minutes will do the trick, and spend that time without distractions. Take a bath, a quick jog/walk, read, meditate- whatever helps you feel centered and relaxed.
Let Go of the Guilt
You can’t be everywhere at once, and if you try you’ll burn out fast. Respect your boundaries, and say no when you need to. You will be in better spirits and more relaxed if you pick and choose what to do instead of attending every holiday event you are invited to. In the end, your friends and relatives will thank you for it - you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Plan Ahead
Try to keep yourself organized to make things flow smoothly. Write your shopping and grocery lists out in advance, and set aside specific days to do your shopping and errands. This way you can stick to a routine, and if you find you need help with tasks, you have time to ask and delegate to trusty friends and family members. For those with kids in school, take advantage of that time to knock off some tasks before they go on holiday break. If you are a morning person, hit the stores when they first open in the morning to avoid crowds and find better selections. And order anything and everything you can online.
Set a Budget (and stick to it)
Besides time and energy, this time of year can also take a big toll on your finances. Working on your budget can be a fun opportunity for some creativity! Whether for presents, decorations or food, coming up with some DIY can make for some original and memorable holiday cheer.
Stick to Your Healthy Habits
In the midst of parties and party planning, we often neglect our usual healthy habits and routines. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and make time for some physical activity. Try to avoid overindulgence with food and alcohol, which will just add to the stress and guilt. Eating something healthy before you attend an event will help you to make wiser choices. You can always carry a small bag of nuts or a healthy energy bar in your purse too. If you’re pregnant or a new parent, and know you have an event that day, take a nap. Try arriving to your parties early so you have an opportunity to talk to people but can head home when you feel your energy running low.
The holiday season can be demanding, but don’t forget to have some fun!
Give yourself some grace if your holiday shopping is done later than planned, if you didn’t have time to send out those last holiday cards, or if those homemade cookies you were suppose to bake are actually pre-made. Don’t let the holiday frenzy make you forget that all the holiday expectations, aside from usually being unrealistic, are just the details. Spend time with the ones you love and cherish, which is what this season is all about.
photo by shoots & giggles
